Auction price of Japan's premium melons dives amid pandemic (1/3)

Two Yubari Melons that are priced 120,000 yen (about$1120), are displayed at Sapporo Central Wholesale Market in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan on May 25, 2020. The first auction of "Yubari Melon" was held on the same day, and the price was the lowest ever recorded due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, two yubari melons were knocked down with 5,000,000 yen (over$45,000). Yubari melon, which has orange-colored flesh and strong sweetness, is popular nationwide as a luxury melon brand, and is cultivated by 103 farmers in Yubari city, Hokkaido Prefecture. (Photo/IC)

Two Yubari Melons that are priced 120,000 yen (about $ 1120), are displayed at Sapporo Central Wholesale Market in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture on May 25, 2020. The first auction of "Yubari Melon" was held on the same day, and the price was the lowest ever recorded due to the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19 infection. Last year, two yubari melons were knocked down with 5,000,000 yen (over $ 45,000). Yubari melon, which has orange-colored flesh and strong sweetness, is popular nationwide as a luxury melon brand, and is cultivated by 103 farmers in Yubari city, Hokkaido Prefecture. Harvesting will continue until September, and the total of 3,800 tons will be shipped. ( The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )

Two Yubari Melons that are priced 120,000 yen (about $ 1120), are displayed at Sapporo Central Wholesale Market in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture on May 25, 2020. The first auction of "Yubari Melon" was held on the same day, and the price was the lowest ever recorded due to the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19 infection. Last year, two yubari melons were knocked down with 5,000,000 yen (over $ 45,000). Yubari melon, which has orange-colored flesh and strong sweetness, is popular nationwide as a luxury melon brand, and is cultivated by 103 farmers in Yubari city, Hokkaido Prefecture. Harvesting will continue until September, and the total of 3,800 tons will be shipped. ( The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )